Biography

Hello, I’m Patrick Hufschmid.

I live and work in Aigle, in the French-speaking region of western Switzerland, near Montreux.

Music has always been part of my life. I began with violin and piano in childhood before discovering the guitar, which has been my primary instrument for over 38 years. In the early 1990s, I developed a strong interest in extended-range guitars and began exploring seven-string instruments.

In 1996, I studied luthiery at Red Wing Technical College in Minnesota, USA. That training provided a solid technical foundation while reinforcing my commitment to traditional craftsmanship and precision.

Before dedicating myself fully to instrument building, I obtained my Swiss federal certificate as a chef. I later worked for The Swatch Group as a specialised sales consultant focusing on high-end mechanical wristwatches, representing several of the Group’s prestige brands. My work centred on complicated timepieces. While I was not a watchmaker, this role required a strong understanding of mechanical movements, fine engineering and the communication of technical value to demanding clients. That experience refined my sensitivity to precision, structural integrity and detail, principles that continue to guide my work today.

I am deeply curious by nature. Throughout my life, I have been drawn to science, history and systems thinking. In recent years, I have devoted significant time to studying climate science and have become actively engaged in science communication, making complex ideas accessible through clear, fact-based explanation. This analytical discipline informs both my thinking and my craft. I build with long-term responsibility in mind, using ethically sourced and sustainable materials whenever possible.

Since 1996, one idea has consistently guided my thinking: “Everything must be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” This principle shapes the way I approach design, problem-solving and craftsmanship. I also resonate strongly with Charles Eames’ insight that “Details are not details; they make the design.”

For me, craftsmanship is not decoration. It is structure, clarity and accountability.